hi guys, im new to the forum, this is my first post. i am 16 years old and my first car is a 96 camaro 3800. its red w/ t-tops. i love this car! its so cool. i have always wanted a camaro. well anyways, to the question. there is a new 3.8 engine on ebay for bout 1100 dollars. i, being a kid and all, want to do a bunch of stuff to my car to make it faster. it has 124k miles on it now. should i put my money into small things like subs, maybe headers or racing stripes, or should i save up for a new engine? and if i get a new engine should i get a new tranny too? i think for 500 dollars more than the 6 cyl. i could get the lt1 for it but i dont really want the gas mileage of a 350. can i make my v6 fast AND reliable at high mileage or should i save my money for the dreaded engine blow? also my car is missing i think its going to be headed for the shop tomorro. ahh well anyways thank you in advance to whoever replys to my life story here. haha, thanks again

 

i wouldnt be too concerned with blowing the motor at this point, but its definitly not an impossibility. best bet would be to get the car totally mechanically sound before you waste money on subs, etc. reliability is the key if this is your only car!

 

Glad you joined, enjoy your car. 126K miles is no big deal in modern cars if they properly maintained, and not abused. As this is your first car it willbe a good idea not to spend much on it till you have driven for at least year. You don't want to spend a bunch of money and then wreck the car. I am speaking from experience. Camaros and 16 year olds make a scary combination. Ask the insurance company.

Lecture aside. Gas mileage is determined mostly on how much power you use rather than what engine is used. If you modify your 3.8 to make as much power as a LT1 and you drive them the same way, the fuel mileage will be pretty close. If you want more power, I would go for either a supercharger for the 3.8 or swap in an LT1.

As for your present engine; if it is in good condition, that is, not burning oil, no funny noises, good oil pressure, it should go another 50K. assuming you don't beat it up too much.

 

thanks guys, i am a very careful driver and baby my car. i just want a little more show off power from the line. thanks for your help!

 

Hey, I am new as well have a 97 sliver and black with T-Tops and usually drive with the transparent tops due to my height.
Mine has over 130,000 miles on it and runs like a dream , I am only 21 and am looking to upgrade to a Vette in no more than 10 years time.
Anyways just thought I'd say K & N intakes really make a big difference, take care of your vehicle and it will treat you well.

Cheers Bill